Reverse Parking-Assist Systems East Lansing MI

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 people are injured yearly by vehicles that are backing up. Of that number, 2,400 are children, and more than 100 of those children will die as a result of their injuries, according to the child-safety organization Kids and Cars.

Reverse Parking-Assist Systems

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 people are injured yearly by vehicles that are backing up. Of that number, 2,400 are children, and more than 100 of those children will die as a result of their injuries, according to the child-safety organization Kids and Cars(www.kidsandcars.org). A reverse parking-assist system, which helps the driver sense when objects are in the vehicle's "blind spot," can help prevent these type of accidents. Further, it is estimated that the majority of all reverse and parking accidents could be avoided with the use of a reverse parking-assist system.

What types of systems are available?There are two common types of reverse parking-assist systems. The first is a simple audio warning indicating that the vehicle is approaching an object out of view. The second is a sophisticated camera and video-monitoring system that provide the driver with a view of the blind spot. Both types are available as options on new vehicles and from aftermarket providers. They can easily be installed in nearly any type of vehicle, regardless of the vehicle's age.

How do the systems work?The most basic audible parking assist system uses ultrasonic technology to determine how close the vehicle is to an object. Similar to the way sonar works, an ultrasonic system bounces harmless high-frequency sound waves off objects. The sound waves echo back to the sensors, where they are interpreted to measure the distance of the object from the rear bumper. Warning tones inside the vehicle change pitch or frequency as the proximity to the object changes. Some systems integrate a series of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) into the dashboard or rear headliner for a visual alert to complement the audible warning.

In these days of high gas prices and needle-pegging pollution levels, many people in East Lansing are downsizing to smaller cars to help save money on fuel and reduce emissions. Find out what you need to know to do so safely, and get tips for finding the right small car.